Schools & Education
Which Schools Offer Exceptional Education?
Gracewater’s central Sarasota location provides families with access to some of Florida’s top-rated public, charter, magnet, and private schools. Thanks to Florida’s School Choice initiatives, parents can select the educational environment that best fits their children’s needs and aspirations.
PUBLIC & MAGNET SCHOOLS
Pine View School for the Gifted
Rated by national and state ranking organizations as the #1 high school in Florida, #12 in the United States, #2 elementary school in the U.S., #3 middle school in the U.S., and #7 Magnet School in the U.S. Founded in 1969 as Florida's first school for intellectually gifted students, Pine View serves students from 2nd through 12th grades. The curriculum mixes traditional classroom learning with independent study, mini-courses, and ungraded classes, with a strong emphasis on parent involvement through volunteering, fundraising opportunities, open houses, newsletters, and field trips.
Location: 1 Python Path, Osprey, FL 34229
Phone: (941) 486-2001
Grades: 2-12
Southside Elementary School
Ranks #4 in the Niche 2022 list of Best Schools and #1 with Great Schools. Students at this school are recognized for making far more academic progress over the previous year when compared to similar students in the state. High progress with high test scores indicates Southside students have strong academic skills and the school is doing an excellent job at supporting their educational growth.
Ashton Elementary School
Coming in second on the Great Schools site and third on Niche, Ashton Elementary School is another highly rated public elementary option near Gracewater.
CHARTER SCHOOLS
Suncoast School for Innovative Studies
One of the three original charter schools in Sarasota County, SSIS teaches children in grades K through 8 with a small student population of approximately 100. This enrollment configuration allows for a unique peer mentoring program that pairs every middle school student with an elementary student.
Location: 845 S. School Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: (941) 952-5277
Grades: K-8
Dreamers Academy
The first dual language school in Sarasota, Dreamers Academy brings Spanish immersion education to Sarasota families who want the benefit of multilingualism for their children. Students learn to become multilingually proficient across a full-range curriculum, which improves intellectual and social-emotional development.
Location: 1050 S. Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: (941) 444-8000
Grades: KG-4
Imagine School at Palmer Ranch
Educating its young students with an individualized focus on learning, character education, innovative programs, and high expectations, this school is a Cambridge International School, Florida High Performing Charter School, and Winner of the Promising Practices Awards from Character.org.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
The Out-of-Door Academy
Ranks within the top 20% of private schools in Florida, serving 841 students in grades Prekindergarten-12. Consistently voted Best Private School by SRQ Magazine readers, ODA draws enthusiastic support from both parents and successful alumni. The school offers a college-preparatory curriculum with advanced classes that prepare students for academic success beyond high school.
Location: 5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240
Phone: (941) 371-7112
Grades: PreK-12
Sarasota Christian School
Ranks within the top 20% of private schools in Florida, serving 511 students in grades Kindergarten-12. Named Best Private School and Best Preschool by Family Living Magazine's reader's choice poll, Sarasota Christian School was founded in 1958 and has grown into a community of over 450 students and 1,000 alumni. The school's faculty is highly qualified with 63% having attained a master's degree or higher, and offers a Biblically integrated curriculum on a beautiful 25-acre campus.
Grades: K-12
Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School
Ranks within the top 20% of private schools in Florida, serving 554 students in grades 9-12. As a Catholic community, Cardinal Mooney provides a quality education centered in Gospel values and dedicated to the development of the whole person. The school offers competitive athletics and a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum.
Location: 4171 Fruitville Road, Sarasota, FL 34232
Grades: 9-12
NEARBY SCHOOLS
Additional highly-rated schools within a short distance of Gracewater include:
Tuttle Elementary School – 2863 8th Street, Sarasota, FL 34237 (2.9 miles)
Alta Vista Elementary School – 1050 S. Euclid Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34237 (2.6 miles)
McIntosh Middle School – 701 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, FL 34232 (2.9 miles)
Fruitville Elementary School – 601 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232 (2.9 miles)
Brentwood Elementary School – 2500 Vinson Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232 (2.9 miles)
From Gracewater: Sarasota has 66 elementary schools, 57 middle schools, and 41 high schools, including 6 public charter schools and 145 private schools. Thanks to Florida’s School Choice incentives, Gracewater parents can choose an educational institution that’s just minutes from home or across the county, ensuring the perfect fit for every student.
Why This Matters for Homebuyers
For families relocating to Sarasota, access to highly rated schools is a major factor when choosing a home. Living near schools like Pine View School for the Gifted, Southside Elementary, Ashton Elementary, Suncoast School for Innovative Studies, Dreamers Academy, Imagine School at Palmer Ranch, The Out-of-Door Academy, Sarasota Christian School, and Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School ensures children receive quality education while minimizing commute times. Proximity to top schools also adds long-term value to homes, making these neighborhoods highly desirable for families and future buyers.
Relocating to Sarasota for Work?
For professionals relocating to Sarasota, living near highly rated schools offers a balance of career focus and family convenience. Easy access to schools like Pine View School for the Gifted, Suncoast School for Innovative Studies, and Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School provides a built-in way to manage school commutes, attend parent-teacher events, and support children’s educational needs without sacrificing work productivity. Many school-adjacent neighborhoods are within a reasonable commute to Sarasota’s major employment centers, making them an attractive option for professionals who value both career success and family-focused lifestyle when choosing a place to live.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school district is Gracewater in?
Gracewater is located within the Sarasota County School District, which serves students across public elementary, middle, and high schools in the region. The district is known for strong academic performance, diverse programs, and multiple highly rated schools.
Are there good schools near new homes in Sarasota?
Yes — many new home communities in Sarasota are located within 5–15 minutes of top-rated schools, including public, charter, and private options. This proximity allows families to balance convenient commutes with access to quality education for children of all ages.
What are the best-rated schools near Gracewater?
Some of the highest-rated schools near Gracewater include:
- Pine View School for the Gifted (~10 min) – nationally recognized for advanced academics
- Suncoast School for Innovative Studies (~12 min) – charter school with project-based learning
- Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School (~10 min) – private college-preparatory school
- Southside Elementary School (~5 min) – highly rated neighborhood elementary
- The Out-of-Door Academy (~15 min) – private school offering rigorous academics and boarding options
These schools provide a variety of learning environments, making Gracewater an excellent location for families prioritizing education.